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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 5, 1999 · Cessna 205 · N1854Z

Gualala, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gualala, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 205
Tail Number
N1854Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX99LA297

Approaching the airport, the pilot observed the windsock and noted it indicated calm wind conditions. He chose to land on runway 13. The airport manager observed the airplane land and opined that its approach had been too high. The pilot reported that he had never been to the airport and acknowledged that his approach was high and he touched down long. With insufficient runway to decelerate, the airplane skidded 150 feet off the runway's departure end and impacted trees. The FAA's Airport Facility Directory indicated that runway 13 is 2,500 feet long and has a 400-foot displaced threshold due to the presence of trees. During calm wind conditions, runway 31 should be used.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to attain a proper touchdown point due to his misjudgment of the aircraft's speed, altitude, and distance to the runway. The pilot's failure to initiate a go-around is also causal.

Full Narrative

On September 5, 1999, about 1408 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 205, N1854Z, owned and operated by the pilot, overran the departure end of runway 13 and collided with trees during landing rollout at the uncontrolled Ocean Ridge Airport, Gualala, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the private pilot was not injured. The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Watsonville, California, about 1241. The Gualala Airport manager reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he observed the accident airplane during its approach and landing. At the time, the wind was calm. The airplane's approach path appeared to be too high, and the pilot touched down beyond midfield. Thereafter, the airplane skidded off the departure end of the runway, veered left, and impacted trees about 150 feet beyond the runway's end. The pilot reported to the Safety Board investigator that, prior to the accident, he had never landed at the Ocean Ridge Airport. Upon arriving over the field he noted the windsock, and the wind was calm. He stated that his approach was too high, he touched down long, and there was insufficient remaining runway to stop. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were experienced with the airplane. According to the "Airport Facility Directory," runway 13 is 2,500 feet long, and it has a 400-foot displaced threshold due to the presence of trees. During calm wind conditions, runway 31 should be used.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:08 PDT
Nearest AirportOcean Ridge (0nm)
Runway13
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 205
Tail NumberN1854Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470S · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data